Friday, November 27, 2015

National Diabetes Awareness Month

During National Diabetes Awareness Month, the Hockomock Area YMCA is encouraging the community to learn their risks for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, and to take preventive steps to potentially reduce their chances of developing the disease.

Statistics for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that one in four Americans (86 million people) have prediabetes, up from 79 million in 2010. Prediabetes is a condition in which a person’s blood glucose is elevated, but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Only 10 percent of those with prediabetes know they have it but with awareness and simple actions, people with prediabetes may prevent the onset of diabetes.

The Hockomock Area YMCA has released a Diabetes Prevention Program designed to support adults that are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and reduce their risk for developing the disease.
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This 1-year program, consisting of 24 sessions, provides a welcoming environment where participants work together in a small group to learn about healthier eating and increasing their physical activity. This classroom-based program is facilitated by a Y-USA trained facilitator at the Hockomock Area YMCA which has facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro and Franklin.

Individuals are encouraged to assess their risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes by taking a simple test at YMCA.net/diabetes.

Through this assessment, visitors can also learn how lifestyle choices and family history help determine the ultimate risk for developing the disease. Several factors that could put a person at risk for type 2 diabetes include race, age, weight and activity level. If a person is at risk, a diabetes screening conducted by a physician can confirm a diabetes or prediabetes diagnosis.

The Hockomock Area YMCA is helping to improve health through their Prescription for a Healthy Lifestyles program which includes the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program. These supportive, small group physical activity programs are making a positive difference in the lives of individuals diagnosed with or at risk of a chronic disease.

Making lifestyle changes that contribute to weight loss and healthy living can decrease the risk for type 2 diabetes. Among these are:

  • Eat fruits and vegetables every day.
  • Choose fish, lean meats and poultry without skin.
  • Aim for whole grains with every meal.
  • Be moderately active at least 30 minutes per day five days a week.
  • Choose water to drink instead of beverages with added sugar.
  • Speak to your doctor about your diabetes risk factors, especially if you have a family history or are overweight.


To learn more about the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program and other Prescription for a Healthy Lifestyle Programs, please contact phl@hockymca.org or call 508-772-1310.

About the Hockomock Area YMCA:

Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility. 
The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

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